Principal Structural Engineer

Position: Principal Structural Engineer
Reports to: Engineering Manager
Location: Aberdeen Position Overview:
Our client is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Principal Engineer to provide technical leadership and coordination across multi-disciplinary engineering teams. The Principal Engineer will ensure engineering excellence throughout the full project lifecycle—from concept development to detailed design, fabrication, and installation.
This role is pivotal in driving innovation, optimizing designs, and ensuring compliance with industry standards while delivering high-quality and cost-effective solutions. Key Responsibilities:
Engineering Leadership & Project Execution:

• Serve as the subject matter expert for structural engineering, delivering technically sound project deliverables that meet quality and safety standards.
• Execute engineering deliverables across multiple EPCI projects, coordinating with procurement, fabrication, and construction teams.
• Support the Lead Engineer in developing specifications, calculations, drawings, and reports.
• Review and approve engineering deliverables to ensure quality assurance.
• Conduct design reviews and technical evaluations for fabrication, installation, and operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with relevant standards and regulations (e.g., ASME, ISO, DNV, API, Eurocodes).

Multi-Disciplinary Coordination:

• Act as a technical liaison between procurement, fabrication, and construction teams.
• Collaborate with other discipline engineers to ensure integrated designs.
• Manage design changes and technical clarifications with clients and third parties.

Technical Innovation & Continuous Improvement:

• Promote innovation through new technologies, digital tools, and best practices.
• Guide the engineering team in adopting new standards and practices.
• Identify opportunities for optimization and cost reduction.
• Support R&D initiatives related to energy transition and renewables.

Team Development & Mentorship:

• Mentor and develop junior engineers, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Lead training and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

Risk Management & Compliance:

• Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies.
• Ensure adherence to HSE policies.
• Support regulatory compliance and certification efforts.

Budget and Cost Control:

• Assist in estimating engineering budgets and supporting bid development.
• Manage project budgets and control variations.
• Collaborate with procurement to ensure cost-effective material selection.

Qualifications / Requirements / Experience:
Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Civil, or related engineering discipline (Master’s preferred).
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or working towards chartership is preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum 10 years of engineering experience, ideally in the energy sector with offshore project exposure.
• Experience in engineering consultancy is advantageous.
• Strong background in EPCI project execution.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in engineering codes and standards (e.g., ASME, ISO, DNV, API, Eurocodes).
• Experience with engineering software (e.g., STAAD, MathCAD, Inventor, ABAQUS, AutoCAD, SIMSOLID, S-Frame).

Soft Skills:

• Strong problem-solving and risk mitigation abilities.
• High accountability and quality focus.
• Effective team player with excellent communication skills.

Health, Safety, Environment & Quality (HSEQ):

• Ensure personal and team safety.
• Comply with statutory and company HSEQ requirements.
• Use equipment and substances safely and responsibly.
• Report hazards and support continuous improvement of the management system.
• Promote environmental responsibility and sustainability.

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.